Coal-burning power plants

Peabody Coal Company

Prairie State Power Plant Impacts to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

The Peabody Coal Company proposes to build a “Prairie State Generating Station” on the banks of the Kaskaskia River in Washington County, 20 miles southeast of the Metro East area and 20 miles southwest of Carlyle Lake. Here is a summary of a presentation outlining the impacts of this power plant to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge presented by:

Refuge Manager Kathleen Maycroft
Refuge Area Supervisor Jon Kauffeld
Meteorologist Bud Rolofson
Meteorologist Tim Allen

Recommendations:

If further reductions of thresholds are not possible, we recommend an adverse impact determination and denial of Prairie State’s permit request.

Summary of Predicted Impacts Submitted by Prairie State:

Visibility threshold exceeded
Sulfate deposition threshold exceeded
Nitrate deposition threshold exceeded

How can the atmospheric deposition affect Mingo NWR?

Common effects on lakes & streams can include:
- Lower pH which releases toxic aluminum from the soil into lakes and streams
- fish eggs do not hatch
- chronic stress to fish
- increased illness in fish
Nitrates can cause oxygen depletion
- fish-kills
- algae blooms

More Information

Government worries Illinois plant will pollute Missouri wilderness

Letter to Illinois EPA